Group Health Insurance UAE

Group health insurance, also known as corporate medical insurance, is mandatory coverage for employees in the UAE. Employers must have an employee secured under their group medical plan before issuing or renewing a residence permit for them. A typical plan covers employees’ essential medical expenses related to hospitalisation, consultations, and pre-existing conditions. The insurance also helps businesses stay compliant, manage costs, and support employee well-being.read more

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Written ByChanchal SinghContent Writer

Reviewed ByAshu BajajBusiness Head- Commercial and Group Health Insurance

Last updated on 04 August 2026Editorial Standards

What is Group Health Insurance?

A group health insurance policy covers all eligible employees of a company under a single policy. It works just like an individual health policy, except that the employer pays the premiums while employees receive financial coverage for their medical treatment.

This type of coverage benefits both employees and employers. It’s a cost-efficient option for employers that helps them comply with the law. For employees, this means peace of mind, as it covers them and their dependents. With a comprehensive policy, employees can be covered not only for standard treatments but also for maternity, dental care, and mental health care.

Best Group Health Insurance in UAE

Some of the best and the cheapest group health insurance quotes in Dubai are:

Is Group Health Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?

Yes, group health insurance (GHI) is mandatory for all private-sector employers and sponsors in the UAE. From 1 January 2025, this policy is mandated across all the emirates. This now includes Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, which were previously limited to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Just keep in mind that the requirements for dependents’ coverage vary by emirate.

Here are the major group health coverage requirements as per the emirate:

Emirates	Group Health Insurance (GHI) Specifications
Dubai	Health coverage is regulated by Dubai Health Authority (DHA), under Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for employees earning less than AED 4,000 monthly & Enaya programme for government employees is mandatory Under EBP, group health premiums start at around AED 500-700, with coverage up to AED 150,000 annually
Abu Dhabi	GHI is mandated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH), under Law No. 23 of 2005 DOH-approved basic plan & Thiqa programme for Emiratis primarily cover the employees and their dependents (one spouse and up to three children under 18)
Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah)	Group medical insurance is regulated by MOHRE & Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and Northern Emirates Health Insurance Regulations Basic health insurance package is required for all private-sector employees and domestic workers

Directly from experts

As businesses in the UAE grow, so does the responsibility to protect the people behind that growth. At Policybazaar.ae, we offer tailored group health insurance plans designed to keep your workforce healthy, motivated, and productive. From SMEs to large enterprises, our coverage ensures your employees feel valued, because when your team thrive, your business does too. Trust us to handle the protection, while you focus on the growth.

Ashu Bajaj

Business Head - Business Insurance

Types of Group Medical Insurance Plans in Dubai

In the UAE, you can get three types of group health coverage: basic, semi-comprehensive, and comprehensive plans. Find below the key details of each category:

Basic Group Health Plan	Semi-Comprehensive Plan	Comprehensive Plan
Designed for SMEs, domestic workers, and low-salaried employees Essential medical cover with coverage up to AED 150,000 Low-cost coverage, with premiums starting from AED 500- AED 600 Inpatient and outpatient services are covered Coverage in UAE only or the UAE + home country	Designed for mid-size companies and mixed salary band employees Coverage from AED 150,000 to AED 1,000,000, or more Maternity coverage and add-ons are available Premiums typically start from AED 2,500 UAE, GCC, and other covered locations	Designed for professional service providers, MNCs, and high-salaried professionals Coverage can go up to AED 1,000,000 or even more Maternity coverage, add-ons and co-payment options are available Comprehensive coverage starts from AED 3,500 Worldwide coverage
Get Basic Plan	Get Semi-Comprehensive Plan	Get Comprehensive Plan

Why Businesses Should Buy Group Health Insurance from Policybazaar.ae?

Policybazaar.ae is a trusted name in the UAE’s insurance landscape. With us, you can find the best group health medical insurance plans that match your specific requirements.

Partnered with 35+ Insurers

Affordable Insurance Plans

Instant Policy Issuance

Dedicated Claim Support

Here are some reasons to choose us:

You can compare top insurers - Sukoon, Alliance, RAK Insurance, Dubai Insurance, and more - on a single platform.
Compare various insurance policies to get the low-cost group health insurance plan, starting from AED 2/Day.
No lengthy paperwork; quickly get coverage through the online process.
From documentation to settlement, our experts assist you throughout the end-to-end claims process.

What is Covered and Not Covered Under Group Medical Insurance in the UAE?

Here are the major inclusions and exclusions under group health insurance for employees:

What’s Covered

Doctor consultations

Room rent & ICU charges

Pre and post-hospitalisation

Pre-existing conditions

Emergency ambulance services

Tests and diagnostics

What’s Not Covered

Cosmetic surgeries

Suicide attempt or self-harm

Alcohol and drug-abuse treatments

IVF or fertility treatment

Injuries or health risks due to participation in illegal activities

Group Health Insurance Add-Ons

Standard and base group policies exclude certain incidents. Add-ons are primarily designed to cover these gaps. Some of the most common add-ons in group health coverage include:

Maternity cover
Dental treatment
Optical care
Mental health services
Worldwide coverage
Physiotherapy and more

Note

In some cases, the add-ons mentioned above may already be included in the standard policy. If not, they may be added separately at employer’s discretion.
The list above includes general add-ons. Actual riders may vary as per the plan.

How Much Does Group Health Insurance Cost in the UAE?

The cost of basic group health insurance plans typically starts at AED 500-AED 700. The actual premium, however, varies by emirates and insurers. For instance, you may pay a bit higher if you choose semi-comprehensive or comprehensive group plans.

On Policybazaar.ae, you can find the best plans at affordable rates. Our platform helps you compare multiple insurers under one roof, which lets you find the right policy without any hassle.

With that said, here are the factors that primarily affect the premiums of group medical insurance plans:

Size and Age of the Group

This is one of the most important factors. Generally, organisations with a larger workforce and a lower average employee age are likely to pay lower premiums per employee.

Employment Type

Companies involved in high-risk operations often face higher premiums. Industries like healthcare, aviation, construction, and fieldwork carry higher risks, while administrative or desk jobs are typically low-risk. The higher the risk, the higher the premiums.

Type of Group Medical Insurance

Different insurers offer a range of group health coverage, from basic to comprehensive. A policy that covers only the employee usually costs less, while a comprehensive plan that includes their family members typically comes with a higher premium. Similarly, a plan that provides only basic coverage may cost less than one that offers extra benefits such as psychiatric treatment, physiotherapy, and more.

Sum Insured

This is another key factor affecting group health plan premiums. Policies with higher sum insured come with higher premiums, while those with lower coverage are more affordable.

Customisation or Add-Ons

Group health medical insurance with add-on benefits usually costs more. If you choose extensive coverage under a standard plan or customise it to meet employees’ specific needs, the premium increases accordingly. The more coverage you add, the higher the cost of the policy.

Best Group Health Insurance Companies in the UAE

Choosing the best group medical insurance plan requires selecting a licensed insurer based on reputation, plan flexibility, premium costs, and claim support. With many options available, it’s necessary to compare these factors so that your business finds the most suitable group health insurance provider in the UAE.

Best Group Health Insurance Companies	Key Features	Minimum Group Size	Buy Now
Sukoon Insurance	Basic to enhanced group health coverage Customised geographical area of cover Dedicated claim support Customised plans for SMEs to large corporates	2+	Buy Now
Rak Insurance	Comprehensive cover with pre-existing cover from Day 1 Wide TPA (Third-Party Administrator) networks Comprehensive plans for large corporates and international companies	5+	Buy Now
Watania Takaful	Comprehensive health cover for employees Affordable plan for startups Dedicated claim support	2+	Buy Now

Eligibility Criteria to Buy Group Medical Insurance

Your company must be legally registered in the UAE to buy group health insurance for employees. Moreover, your business must fulfill the minimum staff limit and follow the employee enrollment guidelines as per your emirate’s law.

Companies of all sizes — whether a startup or a large corporation in the UAE — must have its employees covered with a GHI plan. Typically, it’s required to have at least 2 employees to buy this policy. But you can also get the plan by contacting your insurer for a single employee.

Furthermore, the plan is for full-time employees only. As a responsible employer, make sure that the employees hold a valid work visa and are listed on the official payroll and the Ministry of Labour list.

Documents to Buy Group Health Insurance in UAE

Both the employer and employee may be asked to submit certain documents to the insurer to get the best group medical insurance plan. Here are the commonly asked documents:

For Employer	For Employee
Trade licence Key shareholder’s identity proof (Emirates ID and more) Employee registration proof Company establishment proof Memorandum of association	Emirates ID Valid passport Residence visa Address proof Marriage proof (to cover spouse, if applicable) Enrollment proof (to cover children and dependents, if applicable)

How to Buy the Best Group Medical Insurance Plan in the UAE?

Buying the best group medical insurance starts with comparing your options, and that’s where Policybazaar.ae makes the process easy. On our advanced digital platform, you can compare various options from the top companies in the UAE. Once you find the right plan, easily apply for it through our platform itself!

Here’s what you need to do:

Click the button below to start the process

Fill the lead form with details like the coverage area, limit, business type, number of employees and dependents, and more

Submit the firm and compare the top plans on the quotes page

Compare plans, including coverage limits and types, and provide the required details/documents

Once you submit the request, our experts will get back to you

Buy Group Health Insurance Plans Now

What are the Benefits of Group Medical Insurance in the UAE?

Group medical insurance benefits both employers and employees in the UAE. It helps you comply with the law, get cost-efficient health coverage, and improve staff retention. Mentioned below are the key benefits of group health insurance for employers and employees:

Group Health Insurance for Employers	Group Medical Insurance for Employees
Employers can fulfill the legal requirements by offering GHI to their staff. You can improve employee retention, as they are likely to stay with a company that invests in their well-being. Employers can often enjoy tax deductions in the form of VAT refunds for group health medical insurance. This makes it a cost-effective way to support employees. Employees with access to healthcare services can seek medical treatment sooner. This can reduce absenteeism due to untreated conditions while also boosting productivity. You can strengthen the company’s reputation as an employer that values employee well-being.	Employees don’t need to pay any premiums as the costs are covered by employers. This makes it a zero-cost option for employees. Most group health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. Under individual policies, such conditions may be covered after a waiting period or with a loading premium. Employees can access coverage for a wide range of services, including hospitalisation, surgeries, maternity care, and even outpatient services (as per the plan). In many cases, employees can extend coverage to their spouses and children. This is an easy way to ensure that their loved ones are also protected. Unlike individual health plans, corporate health insurance usually offers coverage from day one of the policy. You can access medical care and benefits immediately, without any waiting period.

Group Health Insurance for Employers

Group Medical Insurance for Employees

Employers can fulfill the legal requirements by offering GHI to their staff.
You can improve employee retention, as they are likely to stay with a company that invests in their well-being.
Employers can often enjoy tax deductions in the form of VAT refunds for group health medical insurance. This makes it a cost-effective way to support employees.
Employees with access to healthcare services can seek medical treatment sooner. This can reduce absenteeism due to untreated conditions while also boosting productivity.
You can strengthen the company’s reputation as an employer that values employee well-being.

Employees don’t need to pay any premiums as the costs are covered by employers. This makes it a zero-cost option for employees.
Most group health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. Under individual policies, such conditions may be covered after a waiting period or with a loading premium.
Employees can access coverage for a wide range of services, including hospitalisation, surgeries, maternity care, and even outpatient services (as per the plan).
In many cases, employees can extend coverage to their spouses and children. This is an easy way to ensure that their loved ones are also protected.
Unlike individual health plans, corporate health insurance usually offers coverage from day one of the policy. You can access medical care and benefits immediately, without any waiting period.

How to File a Claim Under a Group Medical Insurance in UAE?

You can make a claim against group health coverage by direct billing or by getting reimbursed. Both ways are mentioned here:

For Direct Billing

Employees can simply show their insurance card at the hospital. After they pay the deductibles and any other charges, the insurer can cover the remaining costs through cashless or direct billing.

For Reimbursement Claims

Here, you get the treatment first and make a claim later. Find the steps below:

Inform the insurance company to file a claim by connecting through their apps or online platforms.
Submit the required documents, such as your identity proof, medical reports, hospitalisation bill, and more.
Submit the group medical coverage claim, which will be reviewed by the insurer.
Once your claim is approved, you will get the reimbursement amount (as per the policy terms).

Are There Penalties for Not Having Group Health Insurance in Dubai?

Yes. If you, as an employer, fail to provide group health insurance to your employees, you may face legal action and hefty fines. It's legally required for employers and companies to enroll their staff in at least basic health coverage. Not following this law can lead to the following adverse consequences:

You may face monetary penalties ranging from AED 500 to AED 150,000 per month per uninsured employee (penalties vary by the emirate)
Residency permits cannot be issued or renewed without valid insurance coverage
Challenges arise during Emirates ID and residence visa renewal
You risk damaging your company’s reputation by not providing corporate health insurance

Guide to Group Health Coverage in Dubai

Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses	What is Enaya Program?	Group Health Insurance vs Individual Health Insurance
Guide for Group Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi	How to Get Health Insurance for Employees	Guide for Corporate Wellness Programs in UAE Workplace
Group Health Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions	Benefits of Group Health Insurance - Complete Guide	Business Health Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Coverage

Is group health insurance mandatory in UAE?

Yes, it’s mandatory for employers to provide group health insurance in Dubai and all other emirates. This ensures each employee can access necessary healthcare without stressing about the costs.

How many employees do you need for group health insurance in Dubai?

The minimum number of employees required for group health insurance varies by insurer. However, companies can usually get coverage for their workforce with at least 1-2 employees.

What is the difference between group health insurance and individual health insurance?

Individual medical insurance covers only one person and is purchased directly by them. Group health insurance, on the other hand, is typically purchased by employers for their employees. Group plans are usually more cost-effective than individual plans.

Which is the best group health insurance plan in the UAE?

You can find the best group health coverage on the basis of the company's size, budget, and scope of coverage. On Policybazaar.ae, you can compare various plans from the top insurers, such as Sukoon, RAK Insurance, GIG Gulf, and more to find the right fit for your business.

Can employees switch from a group health insurance policy to an individual policy if they leave the job?

No, you cannot convert a group health insurance policy into an individual plan in the UAE.

What are the benefits of group health insurance?

Group health insurance (also known as group medical insurance) offers several benefits. The list includes lower premiums compared to individual policies, wider coverage, no waiting period, and coverage for pre-existing diseases.

How do I compare group medical coverage plans in UAE?

Compare group medical plans by reviewing coverage benefits, network hospitals, premiums, exclusions, and claim support. Also, check the insurer’s reputation and plan flexibility. Platforms like Policybazaar.ae help you compare multiple insurers, customise coverage, and choose the most suitable plan for your employees.

Can employers deduct group health insurance from your salary in the UAE?

No, employers must bear the cost of group health insurance in the UAE. Salary deductions for basic employee coverage are not permitted by law.

How do I get group medical insurance for my employees in UAE?

To get the best group insurance for employees, you need to compare multiple plans, inclusions, exclusions, claim support, and cost. On Policybazaar.ae, you can get the assistance of experts and find the right plan in minutes.

Does group health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, most group medical insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. However, for coverage without any waiting period (usually when switching companies), a certificate of continuity may be required.

How much does medical insurance for employers cost in the UAE?

Medical insurance for employers in the UAE typically starts from around AED 500 for a basic plan. Employers must understand that the premium varies based on coverage level, employee profile, and emirate.

Is a medical test mandatory for group medical insurance in Dubai?

No, group health plans usually don’t require employees to undergo medical examinations.

Does group health insurance cover dependents in UAE?

Medical cover for dependents is not universally mandatory in the UAE. However, in Abu Dhabi, employers have to provide group health coverage for the dependents too, including one spouse and up to 3 children under 18 years.

Is there a waiting period for group health insurance?

No, you can get the benefits of corporate health insurance without any waiting period in the UAE. However, if you change organisations without a Certificate of Continuity (COC), a waiting period may apply.

What is not covered in group health insurance?

Group health insurance does not provide any coverage for cosmetic surgeries, self-inflicted injuries, diseases resulting from nuclear explosions, participation in illegal activities, infertility treatments, and so on.

What happens if an employer doesn’t provide group health insurance for employees?

Companies that fail to provide mandatory health insurance in the UAE may face fines, visa restrictions, and administrative penalties. Enforcement varies by emirate, but non-compliance can lead to penalties ranging from AED 500 to AED 150,000.

Can startups buy group health coverage for the staff?

Yes, startups can easily buy group medical insurance for employees. There are several insurers that offer policies for small groups, such as 2-5 employees in the UAE.

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Reviews & Ratings

★★★★★4.7 / 5

(based on 43,082 reviews)

Gulshan DhanjalDubai, 3 November 2025

★★★★★

Removed the Hassle from InsuranceWhile running a business, insurance is the last thing on my mind. Thank you so much Policybazaar UAE for keeping it that way. Right from the start they made the journey so effortless that I literally didn’t have to spend any big energy or time on chasing after insurers or understanding big complex terms!

ShivamSharjah, 23 October 2025

★★★★★

Great for Diverse TeamsMy company has people of very different ages and roles. But getting group health insurance for employees was zero hassle with this platform.

Shaihul MahinAbu Dhabi, 8 October 2025

★★★★★

Highly Reliable and TransparentThe website showed clear comparisons with literally 0 hidden information. 10/10 insurance buying experience absolutely.

Ahmed AlkaabiSharjah, 25 September 2025

★★★★★

Pretty Smooth ExperienceEarlier when I had to buy group health insurance in UAE, my experience was very difficult to say the least. This site however flipped the script and made everything at every step so easy!

Kareem ChouikiDubai, 15 September 2025

★★★★★

Quick QuotesComparing plans indeed gets you the best. Thanks to this site for helping me understand this, as I could explore so many group medical coverage policies. Also, special thanks for the no-pressure explanations!

MUHAMMAD YOUSAFDubai, 6 September 2025

★★★★★

Value for MoneyPolicybazaar.ae has no-nonsense approach. Crystal clear advice, and amazing plans with literally everything we needed in group health insurance UAE. And all of that at a very reasonable rate!